10 Tips For Marketing Your Startup To College Students

For years, advertisers have targeted college students. As new entrants into the desirable 18-30 demographic, this group of consumers still hasn’t formed unbreakable brand loyalties. This means that if a business can connect with them, that business has a chance at continuing to connect with that group of people as they graduate, start careers, begin families of their own, and progress toward retirement.

But how does a small startup compete with the many big brands that are out there? Reaching out to this demographic can be tricky, but here are ten tips that can help you reach out to college students.

1. Make A Video

Sites like YouTube and Netflix are a staple of student entertainment, since cable TV can be expensive. Business should take advantage of that interest by creating short-form videos that can pull students in. Geoffrey Fox, CEO of Flippze, says “Videos are an effective way of communicating to college students - informative, fun and entertaining. On August 3, we released our first video as part of a four-week video series that is now available on YouTube, in order to help promote Flippze at each college.”Create how-to videos on topics of interest to students, such as decorating a dorm room or effectively cramming for a test, and tie it into your own product.

2. Visit Classes

As a startup founder, your expertise is of significant interest to America’s future entrepreneurs. Start with your own alma matter or colleges in your own area and offer to speak to business classes or participate in special events. University professors could be looking for someone who represents startup founders in the area and you’ll be able to talk about your product while you’re there.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

3. Consider Their Budgets

The worst part about the college demographic is that they’re limited on funds. If you can find a way to offer a product that fits within a limited budget, you’ll be a hero to the college crowd.

4. Reach Some Students

Word of mouth is huge on college campuses. If you can somehow infiltrate a small group of students who are influential with other groups on campus, you’ll succeed. Consider approaching student organizations or fraternities and offering free products in exchange for promotions.

5. Find Student Ambassadors

College students are always looking for part-time jobs. Hire a couple of student ambassadors to hand out samples at events and local campus hangouts. Red Bull is one of many brands that has perfected the art of getting the word out through paid student brand managers.

6. Place An Ad In The Campus Newspaper

While social media has become a preferred way to reach consumers, many college students still read the campus newspaper. In fact, one study showed 72-80 percent of college students read their college paper. Invest in ads in campus papers and you’ll be more likely to reach your target market.

7. Offer A Student Discount

Because college students are so limited on funds, they’ll often specifically seek out businesses that offer discounts to college students. This isn’t limited to local restaurants and movie theaters. If you’re promoting your product or service on a campus, let students know you give a discount to all college students.

8. Host A Giveaway

If you can find a way to promote your product on campuses, consider hosting a contest. Ask students to share a photo of themselves using your product or tweet an entry using your Twitter handle. Or you can do an old-fashioned drawing where students enter their names and contact information and you allow them to opt in to receive future promotional messages from you.

9. Place Targeted Social Media Ads

Social media can be challenging, since college students are exposed to a great deal of marketing messages each day on their favorite platforms. But targeted ads on social media could be instrumental in reaching the very students who are most likely to interact with your brand, something Ryan Sasser CEO of CurrencyLiquidator.com has done to target foreign students.

10. Put Together A Survival Pack

During the early weeks of college, freshmen are adjusting to dorm life, living away from home for the first time in their lives. Put together a survival pack with essentials like a toothbrush, Band-Aids, and even a humorous item or two. With your name branded on the pack, you’ll be able to promote your business. Also squeeze in a sample of your product or an offer to try your service out for free in each package.

College students are a viable market, but it’s important to reach out to them in the most effective ways. By researching your target market and finding ways to connect with them on campuses, your marketing efforts will be successful.